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Center of the Inca Universe

11-day adventure

The Inca world, past and present -Cuzco, the Urubamba Valley and Machu Picchu are our focus. We start with the incredible museum collections in Lima, then head to the Andes into the heart of the Inca empire. We explore Cuzco, Sacsayhuaman, San Salvador, Pisac ruins and town, Chincheros market, Moray and Maras, and Ollantaytambo ruins and town. Our best-for-last treat is a 3-day / 2-night stay at Machu Picchu.

Why so long in Machu Picchu? The better question is, why do others explore this Wonder of the World for so little time? If you had a week you might just be able to discover the depth and breadth of this fascinating and delightfully gorgeous ruin on the mountain saddle. Our three days allow for a guided tour of the main ruins, hikes to Huayna Picchu with the Temple of the Moon, hikes to the Sun Gate, the Inca bridge and more, and private exploration at your own pace. Finding a hot pink orchid clinging to a barely excavated wall in a remote corner of the ruins is a pleasure reserved for few, including INCA travelers.

Mists flow in and around Machu Picchu. Here they cloak Huayna Picchu and it's Temple of the Moon.

At the Ollayantaytambo ruins, an extensive fortress and palace site with many falls and pools.

Highlights

Museums and ceviche in Lima

2 days Cuzco El Monasterio del Cuzco

2 days Urubamba Valley Sol y Luna or equivalent

3 days Machu Picchu Machu Picchu Sanctuary or Machu Picchu Pueblo

Center of the Inca Universe Itinerary Summary

Day 1

Arrive in Lima, Peru. Overnight in Lima.

Day 2

Tour historic Lima. Visit the National Museum of Archeology and the Larco Museum. Afternoon grand buffet of seafoods and Peruvian specialties.

Day 3

Fly to Cuzco, walking tour of Cuzco historic, dinner of typical Cuzqueñan specialties.

Day 4

Visit the Inca Museum, Central Market and Archbishop's Palace. Afternoon visit to Sacsayhuaman. View a special shamanic ceremony in the ruins.

Day 5

En route to the Urubamba Valley, visit Lake Huacarpay, tour the Church San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, see a weaving demonstration and have a picnic lunch in San Salvador. Then descend into the Urubamba Valley to explore Pisac village and ruins.

Day 6

Stroll Chinchero Sunday Indian market, visit the Moray Incan horticultural center and the Maras salt pans, explore Ollantaytambo town and extensive ruins, then rest up at the inn.

Days 7-9

Three days at Machu Picchu (an INCA exclusive)! At your own pace, ponder the mysteries of this spot, hike with our guide to Huaynu Picchu, the peak of Machu Picchu or along the Inca Trail, take photos or just "hide out" while trainloads of day-trippers make midday cameo appearances. Return to Cuzco on the afternoon of Day 9.

Day 10

Fly to Lima. Afternoon free.

Day 11

Depart for home, or on to other adventures.

For a deeper look at this adventure, please read the Detailed Itinerary.

Center of the Inca Universe Departures

2010

Jan 26 - Feb 5

Feb 23 - Mar 5

Mar 9 - Mar 19

Mar 23 - Apr 2

Mar 30 - Apr 9

Apr 13 - Apr 23

Apr 27 - May 7

May 18 - May 28

Jun 8 - Jun 18

Jun 22 - Jul 2 †

Jul 13 - Jul 23

Jul 27 - Aug 6

Aug 10 - Aug 20

Sep 14 - Sep 24

Oct 19 - Oct 29

Nov 9 - Nov 19

Dec 18 - Dec 28 •

Dec 24 - Jan 3 •

Prices & Supplements

2010

$5295 / † = $5595 / • = $5995

† = Inti Raymi, Incan "Festival of the Sun," departure

Single

$2300

Small Group

A Small Group Supplement applies if there are fewer than four travelers on your trip.